Sri Lanka This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Sri Lanka Shri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajavadi Janarajaya Ilangai Jananayaka Socialisa Kudiarasu Description of the Flag Red(dish) rectangular panel bordered yellow containing a yellow lion passant holding a sword upright and four pipul leaves, one in each corner, and next to the hoist two vertical stripes, green and orange, also bordered yellow together. (This flag just does not permit a simple description. I'm sure there must be an official description from legislation in English which would be nice inclusion.) Željko Heimer, 22 January 2003 As shown in Album des Pavillons (2000) : image by Željko Heimer The lion is heavily based on the Corel Clipart of the national coat of arms (where the lion is the central device). Otherwise the flag dimensions etc. are based on Album des Pavillons (2000) (where all images are "shorter" than designated in writing; I followed text).

Colours are also based on the Album's Pantone approximations: dark red 184c, red 206c, orange 151c, yellow 116c, green 356c. If I am not much mistaken, the dark red above is used in the national flag while red (which is still different from the standard red) is used in the naval rank flags. The construction details are given in Album des Pavillons, measuring the rectangular panels and yellow borders, hoistwise to lengthwise (2+21+2):(2+8+8+2+28+2) Željko Heimer, 22 January 2003 From "Specifications for the National Flag of Sri Lanka": image by Martin Grieve, 15 September 2006 Christopher Southworth was in possession of the official dimensions of this flag from "Specifications for the National Flag of Sri Lanka" issued by the Sri Lanka Standards institution, Colombo,1985. He had obtained this information via the late William G. Crampton, whose name will be familiar to a very great many Vexillological enthusiasts.

I altered my original drawing to suit the figures that Chris gave to me, and must say that the first thing about them I did not like were the overall proportion: 75x150.1! As we can see, the Lion is a great deal bigger than the version illustrated in Album des Pavillons 2000, and the width of the vertical yellow borders is slightly thinner than the width of the 2 horizontal ones. An ugly state of affairs indeed, in my opinion. It is not entirely impossible that these specifications have been revised since 1985, but for posterity, here is my version based on the official figures given at that time, and maintaining the same RGB values as shown above. Martin Grieve, 15 September 2006 Shorter Variant 5:9 image by Željko Heimer A note to the image in Album des Pavillons (2000) explains that the flag is also used in ratio 5:9. The construction details for this are not given, but I assumed that all three fields (green, orange, red) are proportionally contracted. What's the use of this flag variation?

Željko Heimer, 22 January 2003 Shade of red on the flag Looking at some Sri Lankan websites, I have noticed that all flags (at least those I noticed) used locally use the normal medium red shade for the field behind the lion. With this I mean the real flags flying on flagpoles and similar. Only the flags drawn (possibly by non-residents) use the darker shade. Obviously the shade of red is not "differentiated" here (i.e. it "does not matter"). Željko Heimer, 23 January 2003 The current Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was placed before the Parliament on 3 August 2000. Chapter I The People, the State and Sovereignty Article 4 The National Flag of the Republic of Sri Lanka shall be the Lion Flag depicted in the Third Schedule. The Third Schedule show an image of the flag. Ivan Sache, 23 January 2003 The 2000 draft Constitution was not adopted. Constitution of 1978 is still operative. M.H.M.

Salman, 14 March 2006 The protocol manual for the London 2012 Olympics ( Flags and Anthems Manual London 2012 ) provides recommendations for national flag designs. Each NOC was sent an image of the flag, including the PMS shades, for their approval by LOCOG. Once this was obtained, LOCOG produced a 60 x 90 cm version of the flag for further approval. So, while these specs may not be the official, government, version of each flag, they are certainly what the NOC believed the flag to be. For Sri Lanka: PMS 109 yellow, 361 green, 150 brown, 194 red and black. The vertical flag is simply the horizontal version turned 90 degrees clockwise. Ian Sumner, 11 October 2012 History DK Pocket Book (1997) shows the flag of Kandy, a.k.a. the Lion flag, "which was used as the national flag of Ceylon prior to 1815 when it became a British colony".

It is the right part of the current Sri Lankan flag, but there are no leaves in the corners, but "finials derived from the spire on top of a Buddhist temple". Ivan Sache, 10 October 1999 1948 flag image by Janith Leanage, 29 October 2007 image by Jaume Ollé, 7 July 2001 The necessity of a National Flag was discussed even before Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4th, 1948. Mr. A. Sinnalebbe, MP for Batticaloa tabled a motion in the State Council on January 16th, 1948 suggesting that the Lion Flag of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which was taken to Britain in 1815 should be made the National Flag. This was debated and later Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake named an Advisory Committee for the formulation of a National Flag. The Members of the Committee were Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Chairmen), Sir John Kotalawela, Mr. J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. T.B.

Jayah, Dr. L.A. Rajapakse, Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam and Senator S. Nadesan, and Dr. Senarath Paranavithana (Secretary). Although a Committee for the formulation of a national flag was appointed no finality had been reached when the first Independence Day was celebrated on February 4th, 1948. However the Lion Flag fluttered on that day. The Lion Flag and the British Union Jack fluttered on the occasion of the opening of the first Parliament of independent Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on February 11th, 1948. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake unfurled the Lion Flag at the Octagon (Pattirippuwa) during the Independence celebrations held in Kandy on February 12th, 1948. Collected from by Dov Gutterman, 8 January 1999. I have seen two different versions of the flag adopted in February 1948.

One is a yellow lion holding a sword in the right hand facing the hoist on a dark red background with four yellow silhouettes of a Buddhist pagoda in four corners with a yellow border and a black thin border inside. The other was exactly the same without the black thin border. Nozomi Kariyasu, 16 May 2000 From Flags by Carol P. Shaw, Running Press Gem, 1994: The design of this flag has evolved gradually in an attempt to achieve national unity since the country, then known as Ceylon, gained its independence from Britain in 1948. Originally, the flag's central emblem was a gold lion and sword on a red field, derived from the flag of the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy. As a consequence, it was not popular with the minority groups in the country, and so was amended in 1951 to include a green and orange band, to represent the Muslim and Tamil communities respectively.

Finally, when the country adopted the local name of Sri Lanka in 1972, the flag was modified once more, with four leaves of the pipul tree, a Buddhist symbol, added to the four corners of the dark red panel. This version of the flag was in official use from 1978. In 1972 the leaves replaced "finials" that were previously located in the corners. In 1978 the leaves were made more "natural". Nick Artimovich, 2 October 1996 The National Flag recommended by the special committee was presented to Parliament by Mr. D.S. Senanayake on March 2nd, 1951 and adopted. It had two strips, one green and the other yellow. Each of these strips had to be equal to one seventh the size of the flag. When Sri Lanka was first made a Republic in 1972 the stylized Bo Leaves depicted in the National Flag were changed to resemble natural Bo leaves. The amended flag was first unfurled at the Republic Day celebrations held on May 22nd, 1972.

The National Flag is incorporated in Section 6 Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of September 09th, 1978. Except for the new Bo leaves the present flag is the same flag recommended by the National Flag Formulation Committee on March 2nd, 1951. Collected from by Dov Gutterman, 8 January 1999. The Kandy kingdom flag officially hoisted on 4th February 1948 had sinhalese pines in the four corners. On 22nd May 1972 the sinhalese pines were changed to leaves of bo or pipul. On 7th September the was a very small change in the leaves that is very difficult to perceive and a change in the background colour shade. Jaume Ollé, 27 May 2000 From Smith (1975) : The bo leaves of the sacred pipul tree in the corners are a symbol of the religion of the majority: Gautama is supposed to have received enlightenment, becoming the Buddha after meditation under a pipul tree.

This would mean that pipul is a tree and bo the name given to the leaves of this specific tree... Ivan Sache, 10 October 1999 For two conflicting views on the meaning and political correctness of the Sri Lankan flag, see: Barraclough and Crampton (1981) , p.250, says, "Sri Lanka became a Democratic Republic on 7 September 1978. No significant change was made to the National Flag, except for the rendering of the "bo" leaves, in the official picture of the flag published as part of the new constitution. The leaves in this appear to be slightly more curly than previously." Santiago Dotor, 27 January 2003 See also an article written by C.V. Vivekananthan on the origin of the national flag. This article is written from a Tamil viewpoint. Ant�nio Martins-Tuv�lkin, 18 June 2004 The Kandyan flag predates Sri Lanka's entrance into the British Empire (although the maritime provinces were ruled by the Dutch, the hills remained independent).

The known ratio of the flag is 2:3 or sometimes even shorter (Sri Lanka had various Royal flag designers at that time). The special significances are well known among Sri Lankans: The eyes - Vigilance and Forward Vision of the State The hair brushed in the forward direction - Bravery The sword - defense of the homeland and implementation of the laws of the land. (In some older Kotte era flags, the sword was replaced with a Whip) The multiple lines of hair seen on the head of the lion - Nobility The Equality of height between the head and the tail - The equality between the ruler and the rules. The strong paws of the lion - The strength of the Sri Lankans The Four Temple finales (or koth) - Buddhism being the national religion of Sri Lanka Janith Leanage, 30 October 2007 Untitled The National Flag of Sri Lanka The National Flag of Sri Lanka has been designed with great care and purpose. It not only represents the country and her heritage, but is a rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority race. The present day National Flag is an improvisation of the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha.

The civil standard had a passant royal lion with a sword in it's right fore paw at the center, and a bo-leaf on each of the four corners on a plain border. The lion flag lost it's significance after the British conquered Sri Lanka in 1815. It was the Union Jack which was hoisted in its place. When Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on February 04, 1948, it was the lion flag (the same as the standard of the last king of Sri Lanka) which was hoisted once again. The first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka, D.S.Senanayake, appointed a committee to advice the government on the design of a new national flag. The design approved by the committee in February 1950 retained the symbol of the lion with the sword and the bo-leaves from the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of two verticle stripes green and orange in color. the significance of each symbol of the national flag is as follows: The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race. The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country. The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion's tail.

Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation. The beard denotes purity of words. The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth. The nose indicates intelligence. The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth. The verticle stripe of orange represent the minority Tamil race and the green verticle stripe the minority Muslim race. The four virtues of kindness: KINDNESS, FRIENDLINESS, HAPPINESS, EQUANIMITY are also represented in the flag. The border round the flag, which is yellow in color, represents other minor races. The bo-leaves at the four corners of the flag represent Buddhism and it's influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues - Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity. The maroon colored portion of the flag manifests the other minor religions. The national flag was hoisted for the first time on March 3, 1950. From Flags by Carol P.

Shaw, Running Press Gem, 1994: "The design of this flag has evolved gradually in an attempt to achieve national unity since the country, then known as Ceylon, gained its independence from Britain in 1948. Originally, the flag's central emblem was a gold lion and sword on a red field, derived from the flag of the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy. As a consequence, it was not popular with the minority groups in the country, and so was amended in 1951 to include a green and orange band, to represent the Muslim and Tamil communities respectively. Finally, when the country adopted the local name of Sri Lanka in 1972, the flag was modified once more, with four leaves of the pipul tree, a Buddhist symbol, added to the four corners of the dark red panel. This version of the flag was in official use from 1978." In 1972 the leaves replaced "finials" that were previously located in the corners. In 1978 the leaves were made more "natural".

Nick Artimovich, 2 October 1996 "The necessity of a National Flag was discussed even before Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4th, 1948. Mr. A. Sinnalebbe, MP for Batticaloa tabled a motion in the State Council on January 16th, 1948 suggesting that the Lion Flag of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which was taken to Britain in 1815 should be ade the National Flag. This was debated and later Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake named an Advisory Committee for the formulation of a National Flag. The Members of the Committee were Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Chairmen), Sir John Kotalawela, Mr. J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. T.B. Jayah, Dr. L.A. Rajapakse, Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam and Senator S. Nadesan, and Dr.

Senarath Paranavithana (Secretary)." Although a Committee for the formulation of a national flag was appointed no finality had been reached when the first Independence Day was celebrated on February 4th, 1948. However the Lion Flag fluttered on that day. The Lion Flag and the British Union Jack fluttered on the occasion of the opening of the first Parliament of independent Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on February 11th, 1948. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake unfurled the Lion Flag at the Octagon (Pattirippuwa) during the Independence celebrations held in Kandy on February 12th, 1948. "I have seen two different versions of the flag adopted in February 1948. One is a yellow lion holding a sword in the right hand facing the hoist on a dark red background with four yellow silhouettes of a Buddhist pagoda in four corners with a yellow border and a black thin border inside.

The other was exactly the same without the black thin border." Nozomi Kariyasu, 16 May 2000 "The National Flag recommended by the special committee was presented to Parliament by Mr. D.S. Senanayake on March 2nd, 1951 and adopted. It had two strips, one green and the other yellow. Each of these strips had to be equal to one seventh the size of the flag." "When Sri Lanka was first made a Republic in 1972 the stylized Bo Leaves depicted in the National Flag were changed to resemble natural Bo leaves. The amended flag was first unfurled at the Republic Day celebrations held on May 22nd, 1972. The National Flag is incorporated in Section 6 Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of September 09th, 1978." "Except for the new Bo leaves the present flag is the same flag recommended by the National Flag Formulation Committee on March 2nd, 1951." The Kandy kingdom flag officially hoisted on 4th February 1948 had sinhalese pines in the four corners.

On 22nd May 1972 the sinhalese pines were changed to leaves of bo or pipul. On 7th September the was a very small change in the leaves that is very difficult to perceive and a change in the background colour shade. Jaume Ollï¿½, 27 May 2000 From Smith (1975): " The bo leaves of the sacred pipul tree in the corners are a symbol of the religion of the majority: Gautama is supposed to have received enlightenment, becoming the Buddha after meditation under a pipul tree." "This would mean that pipul is a tree and bo the name given to the leaves of this specific tree..." Ivan Sache, 10 October 1999 WWW Virtual Library Sri Lanka FLAGS and STAMPS: Animals on Flags FLAGS and STAMPS This blog is all about "Flags of the World" on Stamps & other Philatelic items, as well as, on "Indian Flag" and its History from the collection of a veteran philatelist. Content of this blog is copyrighted. Do not use the text and pictures in any format without expressed permission of the owner of this blog.

India Flag by Expedia.com.au Wednesday, September 1, 2010 Animals on Flags Fierce Animals on National flags signify “A country’s strength, its priority on defence and on occasions generosity too”. Amongst the animals depicted on flags, perhaps, the Lion is the most widely used animal symbol on flags. The Lion is regarded as the symbol of Authority & Command, Power & Dignity, Justice & Wisdom, Ferocity & Courage, and finally The Lion is also regarded as the king of beasts. The flag of the Repùblica Vèneta or Repùblica de Venesia (Republic of Venice) - a state originating from the city of Venice in North-eastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice (Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta) and is often referred to as La Serenissima. The winged Lion of St.

Mark , which had appeared on the Republic's flag and coat of arms, is still featured in the red-yellow flag of the city of Venice (which has six tails, one for each sestier of the city), in the coat of arms of the city and in the yellow-red-blue flag of Veneto (which has seven tails representing the seven provinces of the region). The winged lion also appears in the naval ensign of the Italian Republic, alongside the coat of arms of three other medieval Italian maritime republics ( Genoa , Pisa and Amalfi ), as well as the Golden Lion , awarded at the Venice Film Festival , and in the insignia of the Assicurazioni Generali insurance company. St Mark, represented as a lion, is a typical Christian iconography derived from the prophetic visions contained in the verse of the Apocalypse of St John 4: 7. The lion is one of the four living creatures described in the book as a place around the throne of the Almighty and they are chosen as symbols of the four evangelists . These "beings" were previously described by the prophet Ezekiel .(Source: Wikipedia). Lion of Babylon on the Iranian (formerly Persia) Flag.

It is claimed that the Lion and Sun Emblem has 8000 years old roots dating back to the very first Persian Civilization of Shush. According to legends, The lion was the symbol of the goddess Ishtar. Lion of Judah on former Ethiopian (Abyssinia) Flag which was also the symbol of Emperor Haile Selassie . Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) always placed the lion on her flags adopted from Sinhala Rajakiva Dhajya of the last king of Kandi. Lion on the Sri Lanka’s flag dates from 6th. century B.C. India's National emblem, the Sarnath Lion -capital, a great master-piece of 3rd century BC plastic art, there are four lions mounted back to back .(Only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view).The frieze of the abacus adorned with relief sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion. The Lion stands for Sakyasingha, the great roar of the lion heard when Buddha turned the "Wheel of Law" to preach to the world the great wisdom that he had dawned on him under the Bodhi tree.

The lion, with such repute of its noble nature and having the position and title of king of the beasts, is one of the most common heraldic symbols in Europe. Hunydi family flag (15th. century), Hungary. The Red Lion in white background, symbolising León On occasion of the commemoration of the 1100 Anniversary of the Foundation of the Kingdom of León, issued within the Historic Events series of Spain, a souvenir sheet was launched illustrated with a map of the Iberian Peninsula from 910 and the borders of the kingdom of Leon. At the front appears a stamp in the shape of the banner of the crown of León with a passant lion. Bulgaria places a golden lion rampant on the top white stripe Paraguay's flag has two different emblems on the obverse and reverse sides. On the reverse side of the Paraguay seal shows the lion on the sea guarding the Phrygian Cap symbolizes the defence of liberty. Several former British Colonies placed the British Lion (taken from the British Coat-of-Arms) on their flags.

In 1929 H L Richardson of Wellington was appointed to design a new set of Duty (Revenue) stamps of New Zealand. His design incorporated the New Zealand's Coat of Arms. However, Richardson, depicted his own interpretation of the subject, which varied considerably from the version authorised by Royal Warrant in 1911. An error was also made in the design whereby the New Zealand flag is depicted instead of the Union Jack. The British Lion and Chinese Dragon could be seen as the flanking supporters on the coat of arms emblazoned on the colonial Ensign of Hong Kong . The Dragon on Bhutan’s flag honours the people’s name of the country Druk-Yul (The land of the Thunder Dragon) .The flag is based upon the tradition of the Drupka lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The first flag was made by Mayom Choying Wangpo Dorgi and was introduced in 1949 during the signing of the Indo-Bhutanese Treaty. The flag went many changes. The present flag was standardized in 1972.

The wingless white dragon, in its claws the Dragon grasps jewels, standing for national wealth and the embrangling mouth of the Dragon represents the strength of the male and female deities, protecting the country. The Red Dragon “Y Ddraig Goch” Adorns Wales Flag. It was probably first used in 1401 by Owen Glendower. Tiger is another fierce animal and appeared on many flags representing powerful energy. In many Asian countries, the Tiger is considered the 'king of all beasts' (not the lion). The ‘Springing tiger’ on the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) reflects the strength of the Indian people and their will to fight for freedom and for the country’s defence. The above never issued stamps were officially printed in 1943 at Reichsdruckerei, Berlin for the Nationales Indien (Indische Legion). (Note; These stamps were prepared for use in Free India but the plan failed due to set back of Azad Hind Army's campaign in the War) An Indian official stamp issued in 1968 to commemorate 25th. Anniversary of INA.

The flag of the federated Malaya States (1905-1946) represented the union of the four Malay states of Selangor , Perak , Negeri Sembilan and Pahang in a federation as a protectorate under the British Crown. The flag was striped white over red over yellow over black. In the centre was a leaping Malayan tiger (Harimau Malaya). The coat-of-arms had two rampant tigers supporting the shield. Three Headed Elephant was the emblem of the erstwhile, Kingdom of Laos, the land of the Million Elephants (Muong Lan Xan Hom Khao) The black and white stripes of the flag symbolize the racial harmony of the Botswana’s Tswana people (formerly, British protectorate of Bechuanaland), as well as the pluralist nature of the society. The stripes are inspired by the ‘Zebra’, the national animal of Botswana. The leopard's face on Bophuthatswana flag is symbolic of the authority necessary to lead the people to the development of their potential. Leopards are traditional symbols of authority for the Tswana people.

The flag was taken into use on 19 April 1973 after the homeland achieved internal self-government on 01 June 1972. This flag is no longer in use. Bophuthatswana was one of the "independent" homelands having been granted independence by South Africa in 1977. All the former South African Homelands/Bantustans ceased to exist as political entities in 1994 Bophuthatswana have been reincorporated into South Africa. The boar’s tusk in the black triangle of Vanuatu (formerly, New Hebrides) flag, symbolic of wealth and prosperity The California's state flag is based on a design dating from 1846, when California settlers declared independence from Mexico. The Grizzly Bear symbolizes strength. Snapshot art depicts a coastal area in central California Historic Bear Flag raised at Sonora in 1846, by a group of American settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. The flag was designed by William Todd. The star imitated the 'Lone Star' of Texas.

[Source: California Blue Book.] The bear on the current flag of California was modeled on the last wild Californian grizzly bear in captivity. The bear, named "Monarch", was captured in 1889. The bear was subsequently moved to Woodwards Gardens in San Francisco, and then to the zoo at Golden Gate Park. After the bear's death in 1911, it was mounted and preserved at the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park An alpaca standing next to a tree and some wheat. The alpaca stands on a plain that contrasts with the mountain. The alpaca is the national animal of Bolivia, and the items next to it are symbolic of the resources of the nation. Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American Camelid. It resembles a small llama in appearance. *********** Sri Lanka Flags and Symbols and National Anthem Sri Lanka Flag: The Sri Lanka flag was officially adopted on December 17, 1978. Prior to 1815, the gold lion was originally the national flag of Ceylon; the four pipul leaves are Buddhist symbols and the sword represents authority.

On this modern version, the green represents Muslims, and the orange represents Hindus. Larger Sri Lanka flag Sri Lanka Coat of Arms: The national emblem of Sri Lanka was adopted in 1972. It features a golden lion in the center, surrounded by petals of gold representing the Blue Lotus flower. The base of the emblem is a traditional grain vase sprouting sheaves of rice. Sinhalese heraldic symbols of the sun and moon flank either side of the vase, and the crest of the Dharmacakra at the top represents Buddhism. See Also Karava of Sri Lanka - The Lion myth Karava of Sri Lanka History and Myths - The Lion Flag and a Lion Race Many modern myths have been spun around the Lion flag which was adopted in 1950 as the National flag of Sri Lanka. Myth #1 The first myth is that Vijaya, the first King of Sri Lanka, arrived in Sri Lanka in 486 BCE, with a lion flag in his hand (see wikipedia etc. ) and that since then the Lion symbol played a significant role in the history of Sri Lanka. It is also claimed that the lion flag was used extensively by monarchs who followed Vijaya and it became a symbol of freedom and hope.

FACT - There is absolutely no historical evidence to justify such claims. On the contrary, none of the Kings and Queens of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa have ever claimed to be Sinhalese. But they have consistently claimed in their inscriptions to be from the Kshatriya race and the Indian Sun Dynasty and Lunar Dynasty (see quotes from ancient Sri Lankan stone inscriptions in Sun & Moon symbols ). The ancient Mahavamsa chronicle of Sri Lanka too refers to the ancient kings and queens of Sri Lanka, not as Sinhalese, but as Kshatriyas from the Solar and Lunar dynasties. Accordingly their royal symbols were the Sun and the Moon. The Lion was not a royal symbol for these ancient monarchs and they used the lion image on foot-stones at entrances to buildings and on urinal-stones. The lion appears to have been an important symbol only for the Indian born Kalinga kings of Sri Lanka, particularly king Nissankamalla (1187-1196 ) who claimed to hail from Sinhapura (lion city).

Nissankamalla and other Kalinga monarchs used the lion symbol extensively and popularised it's use during their reigns. Right: The lion image was not a 'royal symbol' or 'dynastic symbol' of ancient Sri Lanka. The lion image was commonly used on ancient foot stones, alongside bulls and other animals, and trodden on by everyone entering these royal buildings and shrines. The lion was also the symbol of the south Indan Pallava kings. Pallava coins with the Pallava lion emblem are found in Sri Lanka too and these coins are knowingly or unknowingly called Sinhalese lion coins by some Sinhalese scholars. The Sinhalese word for "Throne' , Sinhasana is probably derived from Tamil Singasanam and could have been popularised by the Singha dynasty of Jaffna and the connected Karava Raja-Singhe kings of Kandy.

It is interesting to note that Dona Catherina the sole heiress to the Kandyan kingdom is referred to in Sinhalese as Kusumasana Devi (ie queen of the Flower throne) Myth #2 The second myth is that all, or at least a majority, of the Sinhala speaking people in Sri Lanka are descendants of Vijaya and that their original ancestor was a Lion. FACT - According to history, there was no such Mega Sinhala race in Sri Lanka until the British period. And the fact that most castes have their own origin stories proves this. For Instance the Salagamas caste traces it’s origin in Sri Lanka to Nambudiri and other Saligrama Brahmins who came over from Malabar (i.e. Kerala ) at the invitation of king Vathhimi Buvenekabahu of Sri Lanka. The ‘muni’ clan names of the Salagamas bear testimony to their Brahmin origins. The Durava Caste traces its origins from the Nagas and retinues of Pandyan consorts. The Navandanna caste traces it’s origin to Vishwakarma. According to J.

Kulatilleka, the Deva Kula (Also known as Wahumpura, Hakuru etc) are descended from a deified ruler of Sabaragamuwa named Sumana. (Ravaya 30 August 1998). According to Warnapurage Lal Chandrasena of Wellawatte, the Sunnakkara Kula (Also known as Hunu) are descended from the traditional architects and Engineers of Sri Lanka (Ravaya 13 September 1998). According to T. Jinadasa Fernando Municipal Councillor of Telawala Moratuwa, Kumbal Kula (Also known as Badal, Badahela etc.) are descended from the first humans to graduate from wild men to humans who cooked their food in clay pots; Cultivating and other occupations are breakaways from this first quantum leap. (Ravaya 18 October 1998). According to I. Gunaratna of Malvana, the Bathgama caste is descended from the original pre- Vijayan, Yakka (also called Yaksha) inhabitants of Sri Lanka; They were expert Artificers. (Ravaya 13 December 1998).

The 'Govi Caste', according to the Janawamsayaa and other sources, sprung from the feet of Brahma as this fourth category was the lowest of the four caste groups. And the modern Govigama caste is an identity created during the British period by the De Saram Mudaliar family of mixed origins. (see Govigama ) Many successful individuals of unknown provenance joined the Govigama group during the British period. Several other castes trace their origin to the guilds that arrived with the sacred Bodhi tree. Interestingly not a single caste has an origin story connecting it to Vijaya or a beastly lion ancestor. And according the Mahavamsa the term Sinhala could be applied only to the initial royal family and not to the labour class population at large. And according to the chronicles Vijaya did not father a Sinhala successor. His Son and Daughter from Kuveni, the tribal maiden, are categorically referred to as the ancestors of the jungle people of Sri Lanka , the Veddahs Myth #3 The third myth is that the legendary King Dutugemunu carried with him a banner with a sword bearing lion when he embarked on his campaign to defeat King Elara.

FACT - However although Dutugemunu is the hero of the Mahavamsa , that great chronicle says nothing about a lion flag or a lion race. Those who believe this myth refer to a mural at the ancient Dambulla cave temple but they fail to realise that although the Dambulla temple is ancient, the particular mural is only about 200 years old and from the British period. Right: The mural from Dambulla depicting the battle between Elara & Dutugemunu. The illustration is from Paranavitana's Sinhalayo. Note that Dutugemunu's banner has nothing on it. This is a small and subsidiary mural and such details are not to be expected. However see (right) how E. W. Perera fabricated a lion on the same flag to support his fraudulent Lion flag story. Stylistically too Perera's Lion is very different from the style of the murals and appears to be even more recent than the murals themselves which are only 200 years old. Myth #4 The fourth myth is that a Lion flag was the royal banner of the Kotte kingdom. FACT - There is absolutely no evidence to support such a claim.

A fake flag of a whip bearing lion is now being popularized as the ancient flag of the Kotte kingdom but there is absolutely no historical evidence as to the existence of such a flag in the Kotte kingdom. On the contrary the literature of the period including the Sandesha Kavya say that the great wall of the Kotte kingdom was adorned with Tiger faces (Puli mukha in Thisara sandesha) and that Makara flags (Muvara dada in the Kau Silumina and min dada in the Thisara Sandesha) of victory flew over the city of Kotte. The Thisara Sandesha says that the Garuda flag was a royal flag of the Kotte kingdom. It is important to note that both the Makara flag and the Garuda flag are traditional flags of the Karava community. The coins issued by King Parakramabahu VI for the kingdom of Jaffna did have a Lion on it. But that was because the reigning royal dynasty of Jaffna at that time was the Karava Singha (Lion) dynasty . The lion on the coins probably gave them more acceptability in the region.

More importantly we need to note that the coins issued by Parakramabahu Vi for the Kotte kingdom did not have a lion on them. See illustrations. Right: The 'massa' coin - without the Lion - used by the Kotte kingdom in southern Sri Lanka. And below: the 15th century 'massa' coin issued by Karava Prince Sapumal (Champaga Perumal - a Son of Karava General Manikka Thalevan, adopted by King Parakramabahu VI - see Mukkara Hatana ) in Jaffna. Note the inclusion of the lion symbol of the Karava Singhe dynasty of Jaffna. The lion has replaced the dots on the right bottom quadrant of the coin. Myth #5 The fifth myth is that a Lion flag was the royal banner of the last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinghe (1798-1815). FACT - Firstly, King Sri Wikrama Rajasinghe and the other Kandyan kings were not Sinhalese. They were Indian Kshattriya Vaduga kings.

Secondly there is no historical evidence to say that King Sri Wikrama Rajasinghe used a lion flag as his royal standard. The royal grants of the king nor the literary work from the period talk about a lion or a lion flag. European eye witness accounts from the period say that the king’s banner was the Sun and Moon banner and that various other flags with animal motifs were also used. And indeed many flags with animal motifs (swans, peacocks, deer, bears, lions, elephants, leopards, cranes and numerous other birds etc ) have been found in Kandy and elsewhere. Right: One of the many 'animal flags' of the Kandyan kingdom. This has 2 elephants, a lion, 4 rabbits, a stork and a deer. Right and below: Two of the many animal motif flags from Kandy. The one on the right is a Narasimha (Man/lion) flag. It does not represent a 'Sinhala Race'. It is one of the 10 avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. The flag below is a Leopard flag . The Kandyan court had heavy Portuguese influence from its inception and French and other influences later.

In fact,Daskon (Garcon), the Chief minister of Kandyan king Narendrasingha, was a Frenchman & a Meistri lady. European influence on the design of both flags is obvious. These 'animal flags' were mere ceremonial flags. They were NOT representative of a lineage. Neither were they 'royal standards'. Percival writing in 1805 refers to flags with the sun emblem being carried before Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (AD 1798 - 1815), the last king of Kandy (Percival, Account of the Island of Ceylon, pp 267, 268). It is interesting to note that the lion flag which is now believed to have been the personal banner of the king is not mentioned by Percival or any others.

Going back a few centuries to 1639, the reign of king Rajasinghe II, (which is a century before the Nayakkar dynasty inherited the Kandyan kingdom), we see that the Sun and Moon flag was the flag carried in the vanguard of royal pageants (Abeyawardana p 145) Although the lion was not a heraldic symbol of the Kandyan kings, the Lion was indeed a very important heraldic symbol for the Dutch. The Dutch were ruling the coastal areas during the Kandyan period. Their heraldic lion is to be found on almost ail Dutch coins (see illustrations further down) issued during that period (17 - 18th centuries). The use of lion imagery by the Dutch had nothing to do with a Sinhala race. The lion was a prominent Dutch royal symbol and it was used by the Dutch also on coins issued by them in other colonies in Asia and even as far as America (see illustration further down). Inevitably the Dutch flags of the period too would have had similar lions on them. One of the few surviving Dutch flags illustrated on the right column confirms this.

As such the prevalent use of lions by the Dutch appears to have had an influence on Kandyan flags too. The Kandyan flags with lions and other animals with European style iconography might even have been drawn by European captives living in the Kandyan kingdom or done by local artists who were inspired by the novel Dutch designs. Myth #6 The sixth myth is that the flag had bo-leaves at the four corners from its inception to represent Buddhism. FACT - The bo-leaves in the four corners replaced the European style finials ('Banku Kakul' in Sinhala language) only in 1972. But this myth and the others appear even on government documents and web sites and have been repeated so often that they are now accepted as fact by many. Development of the 'Lion flag' myth The opportunities offered by the liquor trade in the 19th century had produced a new class of wealthy Sri Lankans. Some of the liquor dealers to amass large fortunes during this period were Don Spater Senanayake (see his details under Mudaliyars ) the Father of D. S.

Senanayake and Wevage Arnolis Dep (whose daughter Helena married timber trader Don Philip Wijewardene the ancestor of J. R. Jayawardene and Ranil Wickremasinge) At the turn of the century, the second generation of these families were striving hard to gain power and status through divisive means such as religious controversies, temperance movements and anti-Muslim riots. The older class of Dutch and British appointed Mudaliyars were disdainful of this class of new rich people who were clamouring to join the 'Govigama identity' (see Govigama ) created by the Mudaliyar class. Sir Christoffel Obeyesekere the most prominent member from the Mudaliyar class referred to these new rich group; D. S. Senanayake, his two brothers F.R and D.C and others as “a few who are nobodies, but who hope to make somebodies of themselves by disgraceful tactics”. It’s this outburst by Sir Christoffel that gives Kumari Jayawardena the title for her insightful book on this period, ‘Nobodies to Somebodies - The Rise of the Colonial Bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka'.

The search for a 'Sinhala' racial flag by this group led to E. W. Perera's so called discovery of three Kandyan flags in England. These were flags taken away by Captain Pollock in 1803, and hung at the Chelsea Royal Hospital alongside other captured flags, colonial trophies from many other colonies. Perera was neither a historian nor an expert on flags but had been sent to England by the Wijewardene / Senanayake cabal to promote their political agenda. However permission for Perera's trip to England had been obtained by saying it was for 'research at the British Museum' . As such on his return, in 1916 E. W. Perera published the book 'Sinhalese Banners and Standards; with a commercially designed, spurious lion flag as it's frontispiece. The book promoted a concocted case to accept that flag as the national flag. The three Kandyan flags "discovered" by Perera at the hospital were hopelessly faded and could be identified only by the name plates on the wall. Perera admits that the flags were too faded even to get a sketch from them.

He says that he sketched the lion flag not by looking at the flag but from the identifying plaque on the wall. However the official colour copies of these flags procured by the crown agents for the Colombo Museum had been rejected by Perera saying they were inaccurate and useless. (Perera 3). In their place Perere chose the commercially designed and drawn spurious lion flag. Bishop Edmund Peiris who also saw the flags confirms that that all three flags were hopelessly faded. According to him two of the flags hung by the second window on the left as you enter and the third hung from the organ loft which then contained lumber. In the office of the Chelsea Hospital Bishop Peiris had seen the record of colour sketches of all the flags in the Hall. This record had been titled “Collection of trophies deposited in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea / copied from the original book of Drawings and Descriptions arranged and compiled in 1841 by S. Ford, Captain of Invalids / 1861” (Peiris 271). As such it is indeed surprising that E. W.

Perera chose to reject the official colour copies of the lion flag procured by the Crown Agents and instead readily accepted an illustration privately commissioned by D. R. Wijewardene. A commercial artist had drawn it for a private firm in London and E. W. Perera used it as the frontispiece for his book on ancient flags and it was used as the Flag of Ceylon from 1948-1951 Right: The threadbare condition in which the three Kandyan flags were hanging in the great hall at Chelsea hospital in 1916. Bishop Edmund Peiris who had also seen them says that they were covered with dust and soot and the figures were barely discernible. All these flags had been bundled together and deposited in a dungeon during World war II and were badly damaged and destroyed. (Peiris 1976, page 271). Click for larger image It should also be noted that according to the wall plaques at the Chelsea Royal Hospital, the royal standard of Sri Vickrama Rajasingha was not the flag copied by Perera but the martial flag illustrated below. Perera has totally omitted this flag and has not even include an illustration of this flag in his book.

Right: The Flag that was actually referred to as the "Royal standard of Sri Lanka' on the wall plaques at the Chelsea hospital. Obviously this flag didn't fit in with Perera's mission to 'discover' a racist flag. . Therefore he doesn't even mention this flag in his book. Instead he introduces a spurious Lion flag as the 'royal flag' of Sri Lanka. Further, the lion on the Sri Lankan flag does not resemble any of the lion motifs from Sri Lanka’s history(see examples below). The lion on the flag is clearly a design inspired by European heraldic lions. (See European heraldic lions below). As admitted by Perera himself in his book , it is a design drawn by a commercial British artist. As such the European nature of the lion is to be expcted. On March 2, 1915, D. R. Wijewardene issued a special edition of his Sinhala newspaper Dinamina, to mark the centenary of the so called ‘end of Sinhala independence’, and promoted this Lion flag in colour on the front page with portraits of the last King and Queen of Kandy. Ironically neither the king nor the Queen were Sinhalese.

They were The Vaduga king Sri Wikrama Rajasinghe and his Chief Queen Rengammal. The main purpose of E. W. Perera’s ‘Sinhalese banners and Standards’ published in 1916 too appears to be the promotion of the spurious Lion Flag as the royal flag of Sri Lanka. However after preparing the background for adopting this flag as the flag of independent Sri Lanka, the Wijewardene / Senanayake cabal strategically enlisted the obliging Muslim Mudaliyar, A. L. Sinnelebbe, the Member of Parliament for Batticaloa to move a motion in parliament calling for the adoption of this flag. As such this was the flag hoisted by D. S. Senanayake at the independence festivities on February 04, 1948. This Lion flag has been a bone of contention from day one and is still an obstacle to national integration and peace. References Abeyawardana H. A. P. 1978 Kadaim Poth Vimarshanaya (A critical study of Kadaim poth) Department of Cultural Affairs Sri Lanka Paranavitana Senerat 1967 Sinhalayo Colombo Perera E.

W. 1916 Sinhalese Banners and Standards, Colombo Peiris Bishop Edmund 1976 The Drum Flag Malalasekera Commemoration Volume, Colombo A comparison of European Heraldic Lions and the the one on the Sri Lankan national flag Note the very different ways in which the Lion's mane is treated in Sri Lankan depictions in the right column and European heraldry below. The same goes for the tail and paws as well. Another striking difference is the emasculated nature of the European lions as against the prominent display of male organs on Sri Lankan lions. The sword carrying Finnish Heraldic Lion A personal coat of arms from Europe with a look alike lion Above: A 17th century sword bearing lion flag from Catholic Venice The 2nd National flag of Sri Lanka This is the present national flag of Sri Lanka We can conclude from the above that the lion on the National flag of Sri Lanka is a spurious design. The lion on it is not traditional, not Singhalese and not authentic. It is a European heraldic Lion. The Lion flag was neither the "Great Standard" of the king nor the "Banner" of the king of Kandy.

The "Great Standard" of the king of Kandy was the Sun & Moon flag of all Sri Lankan royalty. The only royal connections of the Lion flag is not as a Sinhala race flag, but as one of the many battle flags of the Karava royal race and as the flag of the Karava Singhe dynasty of Jaffna. A Lion flag and a lion on the crest carved over the entrance to the head office Burns Philp & Co built in 1901 by two Scotsmen. It illustrates how lions and lion flags were commonly used by Europeans. Note it’s similarity to the spurious flag produced by E. W. Perera. Click for larger image An old Dutch flag from the Dutch period Museum in Colombo. It shows a Dutch inspired sword bearing lion. An interesting specimen that shows how European and Indian design concepts influenced 18th century Sri Lankan heraldry. An ivory box from 18th century Sri Lanka from the British Museum shows how the Dutch Lion gradually got integrated into Sri Lankan art. Click for larger image Above: 17th century Dutch lions from the Gale Fort Late 19th century Sri Lanka temple door ornamentation shows how European Lions got integrated into Sri Lankan art.

The portrait in the centre is of Queen Victoria. Click for larger image Compare the European Heraldic lions on the left column with traditional Sri Lankan depiction of Lions below The Lion image as used on ancient foot stones during the Anuradhapura period. Above: The Lion as used on ancient toilet stones in Anuradhapura. These are not defecating lions used as illustration on how to use the toilet. This is a standard decorative pose as shown by the following examples. Below: assorted Lions from the Council Terrace of King Nissankamalla in Polonnaruwa. King Nissankamalla too was not a Singhalese but was from the Kalinga dynasty of Singhapura (Lion city - hence the profusion of lions) on the Malay peninsula A lion under a balustrade - from the Indian Kalinga King Nissankamalla's (1187-1196) Council Terrace in Polonnaruwa. The Lion throne (sic) of the same Indian Kalinga King. A very Chinese stone lion from the 13th century citadale of Yapahuwa. These lions show the Chinese influnece that was prevalent during that era.

The Chinese still use lion images at entrances to buildings. A lion as widely used in south Indian Hindu temple architecture and on temple chariots. Another old Narasimha flag from Sri Lanka. Note the stark contrast with the European style lion on the Sri Lankan national flag

Question: Which animal is depicted on the flag of Sri Lanka?
Answer: LION